MBBS intern doctors protesting near the Chief Minister House in Bhopal officially called off their three day strike on Wednesday after the state government agreed to enhance their monthly stipend by nearly 50 percent. Under the revised stipend structure, intern doctors will now receive approximately 21500 rupees per month, up from the earlier stipend of 14337 rupees. This marks a direct increase of about 7000 rupees in their monthly payment. Alongside the financial revision, the police administration took strict disciplinary action regarding Monday's incident involving water cannons and a lathi charge on student doctors, putting two police personnel on line attach following an initial inquiry.
Significant Hike in Monthly Stipend for Interns
The resolution followed a high level delegation meeting between intern doctor representatives, the Junior Doctors Association (JUDA), and the Medical Teachers Association (MTA) with the Deputy Chief Minister at the state Secretariat. During the meeting, medical representatives presented their longstanding grievance regarding compensation. Following discussions, the government approved a stipend hike of roughly 50 percent. The existing monthly payout of 14337 rupees will be adjusted to approximately 21500 rupees. Medical bodies expressed satisfaction over the decision and agreed to resume their duties immediately.
Police Action and Line Attachment of Two Personnel
An initial administrative probe into the force used against protesting medical students on Monday held two police personnel responsible. Constable Krishna Dutt Shivhare and Assistant Sub Inspector Narendra Singh Yadav were found guilty in the preliminary investigation and were promptly line attached. Both JUDA and MTA welcomed the department's action, stating that the use of police force against students conducting a peaceful agitation within campus surroundings was entirely unjustified.
Health Minister Assures No Action Against Medical Students
Addressing a press conference, Health Minister Rajendra Shukla termed Monday's police action deeply tragic and condemnable. He highlighted that Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed strong displeasure over the incident while monitoring the situation continuously from Dubai during his overseas trip. Acting on directives from Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, senior officials executed the disciplinary proceedings against the officers. Health Minister Rajendra Shukla further clarified that the government would take no punitive or disciplinary action against any participating MBBS intern student, acknowledging that medical service in rural and ground level settings offers crucial clinical exposure.
Road Blockade Lifted and Normalcy Restored Near Chief Minister House
Following the positive outcome, student doctors vacated the protest site located barely 100 meters from the Chief Minister House. The clearance of the road restored regular traffic movement, which had remained disrupted for two consecutive days. Intern doctors issued a public apology to commuters for the inconvenience caused during the demonstration while expressing contentment over the 50 percent stipend increase.
